According to the company, 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Joekels Tea, which is a KwaZulu-Natal-based business that went up against the tea giants and is now a leading tea manufacturer, says the company.

"Entering the coffee category was very daunting," says Candice Sessions, the company's society marketing manager. "We are up against a lot of big players with many years of experience in the coffee game."

"This award really validates for us that we made the right decision branching into coffee and putting the hard yards into making Society Cappuccinos a recognised brand. It's also a testament to the fact that society is meeting the needs of South African cappuccino drinkers and offering something that is different and appreciated," adds Sessions.

Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, operating in more than 40 countries, according to the company. The award was established in France more than three decades ago to guide consumers on the most innovative products while rewarding manufacturers for quality and innovation.

In South Africa, the Product of the Year in each category is selected via a survey of some 2 000 households by leading market research company Kantar Group.

The entries include consumer-packaged goods, which are entered into various categories, with the winners announced after Kantar completes its independent research survey.

Society Caramel Toffee Cappuccino, the 2024 Product of the Year in the Hot Beverages category, forms part of the Society Cappuccinos range.

According to the company, it is made from 100% Arabica coffee beans, and Society Cappuccinos combines quality coffee with the creamy indulgence of a cappuccino to give consumers an authentic coffee shop experience at home. 

The brand has invited the public to celebrate with Society Cappuccinos and win a year's supply of the award-winning flavour. To celebrate being voted the Product of the Year, the brand is giving away a year's supply.

To participate, individuals can take a photo of themselves with a box of the Society Caramel Toffee Cappuccino and post it on Facebook or Instagram.

"Don't forget to tag @OurSocietyCoffee," the brand says.

The company concludes that its competition will run from Monday, 1 July to Monday, 15 July.

For more information, visit www.joekels.co.za.

*Image courtesy of Canva